Project Events

7-9 February 2024

ENHANCING THE CAPACITY OF THE OMBUDS INSTITUION STAFF IN IMPLEMENTING THE EU CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS TRAINING SEMINAR

A training seminar for the staff at the Office of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria took place on 7-9 February 2024 under project no. 2018-1-1440 (6) "Supporting National Human Rights Institutions in monitoring fundamental rights and the fundamental rights aspects of the rule of law", funded by European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants.

The focus of the training was on the implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The experts delivering the training were:

• Ms Sanja Jovic, EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA)
• Associate Professor Mr Hristo Hristev, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
• Ms Dilyana Giteva, Bulgarian Lawyers for Human Rights
• Mr Stoyan Madin, Bulgarian Lawyers for Human Rights

The training included the following topics:

• Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (EU). General rules on the implementation
• Application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in disputes relating to the regulation of economic relations – consumer rights, property rights;
• Application of EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in relation to social issues, education, health and environmental protection;
• Application of EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in relation to the protection of the rights of children, persons with disabilities and vulnerable victims of crime;
• Application of EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in relation to asylum and migration;
• Charter of Fundamental Rights and equal treatment in EU law;
• Digital revolution and fundamental rights. Application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in relation to data protection and regulation of the digital environment;

• Protection of civil and political rights in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Right to an effective remedy (Art.47 of the Charter)

26 February 2024

NATIONAL DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHOP WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF NGOS IN BULGARIA

The workshop aimed to identify key points for intervention by independent national bodies with human rights and equality mandates in the implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (EU Charter) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), as horizontal enabling conditions, in the management of all eight EU funds under the Common Provision Regulation at national level.

The workshop was led by:

• Ms Elena Cherneva-Markova, Deputy Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria
• Mr Marton Rovid, EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA)
• Ms Maria Doychinova, Center for the Study of Democracy
• Ms Katia Hristova, Head of Cabinet, Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria

27 February 2024

NATIONAL DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHOP WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES IN BULGARIA

On 27 February 2024, under the project "Supporting National Human Rights Institutions in Monitoring Fundamental Rights and Aspects of the Rule of Law", funded by the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants, the Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria organised a national diagnostic workshop with representatives of state authorities involved in management bodies and monitoring committees of EU funds at national level.

The workshop aimed to identify key intervention points to improve the implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (EU Charter) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), as horizontal enabling conditions, in the management of all eight EU funds under the Common Provision Regulation at national level.

The workshop was led by:

• Ms Elena Cherneva-Markova, Deputy Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria
• Mr. Robert Uhl, EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA)
• Ms. Maria Doichinova, Center for the Study of Democracy
• Ms Katia Hristova, Head of Cabinet, Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria.

27 February 2024

ENHANCING THE ROLE OF LOCAL OMBUDSPERSONS IN THE PROTECTION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS ASPECTS OF THE RULE OF LAW ROUND TABLE

On 27 February 2024, under the project "Supporting National Human Rights Institutions in Monitoring Fundamental Rights and Aspects of the Rule of Law", funded by the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants, the Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria organised a Round Table with the attendance of local mediators in Bulgaria, titled: Enhancing the Role of Local Ombudspersons in the Protection of Fundamental ights and the Fundamental Rights Aspects of the Rule of Law.

The Round Table was led by:

• Prof. Dr. Milena Stefanova, Bulgarian Political Studies Association
• Prof. Dr. Rumiana Kolarova, Bulgarian Political Studies Association.

They presented the Mapping Study of National Human Rights Structures in Bulgaria.